86 · MT 3/2022 Industrial Focus It incorporates the company’s advanced SPIKE LR2 precision-guided missile technologies, including its dual high-resolution EO/IR seeker, supported by advanced scene-matching technology and detection/ tracking capabilities. A real-time datalink allows for seamless man-in-theloop operation and its advanced lethality features a combination of HEAT and blast fragmentation warheads. The missile’s precision, immunity, and lethality provide a decisive and powerful solution for close air support in call-for-fire, counter-terrorism missions, and to counter A2/AD ‘bubbles’ in full-intensity conflict. It was specially designed for fixed-wing aircraft and allows engagement of both moving and static targets 24/7, including in adverse weather. The RF datalink enables mid-flight target handover, re-targeting and abort capabilities, while also controlling approach angle, azimuth and flight trajectory. Its simplified operating concept results in low aircrew workload, while the 30strike missions against layered air defences, armoured vehicle formations and urban infrastructure. “We believe the Aerospike can enhance the precision, lethality, and survivability of future SOCOM AOW [Armed Overwatch] squadrons, providing the Air Force Special Operations Command an advanced tactical CAS [close air support] solution while keeping the warfighter out of harm’s way. Today’s battle arena is saturated with portable air defence threats – like MANPADs – that require CAS elements to operate with greater precision and longer ranges; that is precisely what Aerospike brings to the modern battlefield,” commented Alon Shlomi, Director of Rafael’s Air-to-Surface Directorate. DSA 2022: Mildef Unveils LTSV Malaysia’s Mildef International Technologies unveiled a prototype of a new, all-terrain tactical vehicle during DSA 2022 in Kuala Lumpur. Called the Light Tactical Surveillance Vehicle (LTSV), the gasoline- powered four-wheel platform has been designed for use by special forces, as well airborne and commando troops. The air-transportable LTSV – a prototype of which was on display at the exhibition – weighs less than two tons, features a high-strength steel frame, a winch, a 105hp fourstroke engine, can accommodate three personnel (including the driver), and mounts an electric motorcycle on the back. The vehicle, development of which began last year, is equipped with a roof-mounted 12.7mm machinegun, and a 7.62mm machinegun, the latter operated by the co-driver. The LTSV, which can be delivered as a 2WD or 4WD platform, is mainly being developed for the Malaysian Army and Royal Malaysian Police, but company officials told MON that, once development is complete (within a year) they also plan to market it for export. However, the official pointed out that the LTSV, which is suitable for patrol and reconnaissance missions, can be customised, depending on requirements. ThinKom Antenna Selected for Triton Surrogate Northrop Grumman has specified a ThinAir Ka2517 phased array satellite antenna from ThinKom Solutions to provide BLOS connectivity for the MQ-4C Triton flying test bed (FTB). Initial flights with the ThinKom antenna are expected to take place in the second quarter of 2022. A Gulfstream IV serves as an FTB for the USN MQ-4C Triton autonomous HALE maritime surveillance system, outfitted with the core mission payload capabilities that are on the Triton UAS. It is used to demonstrate current capabilities, provide risk reduction for new capabilities and serve as a developmental test bed for emerging capabilities. Based on ThinKom’s patented Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) technology, the Ka2517 is a COTS wideband satellite antenna system, which provides global pole-to-pole in-flight connectivity with extremely high throughput rates using military and commercial Ka-band satellite networks. Ka2517s are operational on hundreds of commercial airliners and military aircraft, with industry- leading MTBF metrics. Teledyne FLIR Launches sUAS Laser Targeting Pod A SkyRaider aircraft with the new StormCaster-DX payload. (Photo: Teledyne FLIR) Teledyne FLIR Defense has launched a laser designator payload for small UAS, and the firm says the new capability will prove transformational in reducing the time taken for deployed troops to generate NATO Standard targeting co-ordinates. The system – called StormCaster-DX – has been built to operate on board the company’s R80D SkyRaider quadcopter. Its primary instrument is a laser spot tracker, which can be used to guide precision weapons onto a target. The unit also integrates two FLIR Boson 640 longwave infra-red thermal imaging cameras to support both day and night operations. The system is effective at ranges of up to 10km from the target. The capability has previously only been available from larger UAS or manned platforms, which – unless they are already on-station during a previously planned operation – could take considerable time to fly to the operating location. A SkyRaider UAS equipped with StormCaster-DX could be carried by troops and deployed as required in response to developing situations, reducing by several minutes the time between soldiers needing to call in a precision strike and being able to do so. “StormCaster-DX is an absolute gamechanger for small unit operations and represents a significant force multiplier,” Dr JihFen Lei, EVP/GM of Teledyne FLIR Defense, stated. “For the first time, [operators] will be able to survey and manage the battlefield while performing laser designation with standoff from a rucksack-portable drone, allowing faster decision- making and targeting that help ensure mission success.” SOFIC 2022: Rafael Unveils Aerospike Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled the Aeropsike – a next-generation, air-to-surface, stand-off, precision-guided missile – at SOFIC 2022. Designed to meet the needs of future complex warfare, Aerospike is light-weight, features high precision (CEP ≤ 3ft), and offers a significant stand-off range of 30km, all while operating in a contested environment, independent of GPS signals. The Aerospike in operation. (Photo: IAI)
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